Shop Drawings
Shop drawings are the means by which the intent of the design is turned into reality. They serve a valuable coordinating function as the primary visual communication from the client or design professional to the building staff. They are the primary instructions for woodworking, engineering and fabrication.
When we are hired to produce cabinetry by a general contractor for a large rehab is generally the role of the general contractor to coordinate the abaico shop drawings with work of all other trades and to ensure that "hold" dimensions are actually held. In the best interests of the owner, it is the responsibility of the architect and contractor, depending on contract relationships, to communicate design and field changes to all parties so that if dimensions are changed each subcontractor can be coordinated and held responsible for its work.
Shop Drawings: What to Expect According to the AIA
"The Woodworker shall submit shop drawings, samples, brochures, etc. on all items of architectural woodwork. Shop drawings shall be of sufficient detail in scale to determine compliance with the intent of the Quality Standard Grade specified." —from an office Master Specification
In commonly used Guide Specifications, the scale, level of detail and quantity of shop drawings actually required for custom architectural woodwork are described rather broadly. The key to achieving the most detailed and useful set of drawings is clear and continual communication between you, the architect/ designer and your abaico project manager from the earliest stage of design.
Purpose
Good shop drawings are the extension of the design into the area of engineering. They should indicate methods of construction, exact material selections, finishes, method of attachment and joinery, exact dimensions and should will include our design-build engineering and technical suggestions.
Level of Detail
The level of detail required on shop drawings is established by the quality Grade and complexity of the project and the client is at liberty to specify any level of details as a requirement of the project and for the design professional, they are necessary as part of the contract documents. The drawings allow a clear visual reference so that technical suggestions, questions and solutions can be based on attaining the desired goals of the client.
Approvals
The approval stage provides the architect/designer client a final opportunity, prior to fabrication, to make changes or correct mistakes. Shop drawings, however, are not an extension of the design development process as they are made after concept drawings have been developed and approved; therefore, please be aware that material changes in scope of work made during shop drawing review may in many cases involve an increase in cost and time. It may be that changes reduce scope of work and there will be a reduction in cost and time.
The four common levels of approval are:
- Approved
- Approved As Noted
- Redraw and Resubmit
- Disapproved
Approvals are generally indicated by a signature on each of the drawings. When selecting "Approved As Noted" rather than "Redraw and Resubmit," the client or design professional can often save weeks of production time provided the intent and all changes are clearly marked on the drawings.
Scheduling
Most projects are encumbered by a tight production schedule, especially for the finish trades such as woodworking, painting, carpeting and wall coverings. Prompt review of shop drawings and accurate coordination of multiple trades can save weeks of time and eliminate problems before construction begins. We recommend the design professional work with their abaico project manager to determine the maximum "approval-to-fabrication" timeline needed to keep the job on schedule (Shop drawings must be returned approved to fabricate seven days after submittal.)
Schedules vs. Drawings
In some cases shop drawings are not required to communicate the necessary quality, type, quantity and details of an item. In this case the wholesale manufacturer’s tabular schedules are used instead, generally for such items as man doors. Abai produces shop drawings for every project built in our workshop.
Use of Shop Drawings in the Process
It is the role of the design professional and the contractor to coordinate the woodworker's shop drawings with work of all other trades and to insure the "hold" dimensions are actually held. It is also the responsibility of the architect or contractor to give field changes to all parties so that if dimensions are changed, each subcontractor and material supplier can be held responsible for his work. (Find out more about the abaico “Design-Build Process” in “The Process” section of the website at www.abaico.com
Prompt, thorough review of shop drawings and accurate coordination of multiple trades saves time and eliminates problems before construction begins. Shop drawings are the property of the manufacturer generally; the property of abaico specifically. (It should be noted that requirements for compliance with local codes, disability legislation, and the utilization of fire-retardant wood products are to be researched and directed by the architect or designer and are not the responsibility of abaico)